11 Plus Exams Forum

Hi All,
Just wanted to introduce myself ..... looking forward to reading of other's experiences, tips and advice.
We have just decided to go for the Kendrick entrance test for my daughter. Very late I know.......fate will certainly seal the deal ...or not!

I have already been here with my eldest DD1, who did not get a high enough result to secure a place.
We have decided that if we allowed the opportunity to our first born, we should really give our second daughter (and in a couple of years, our third daughter!) the same chance.

Having said that, our DD2 is much more focused at school than DD1 and enjoys learning/reading. Always eager to do her homework as soon as she get's home. We don't know if it is possible to find a tutor at this late a stage, most worth their weight I am sure, will already be booked up with tutor sessions.

DD2 just went through her very first introduction to NVR. A Bond test and she got a result of 86% - I believe that this is a good start and we definitely have something to work with. I will be introducing the VR test tomorrow. We shall see how she gets on.

I would be interested to know of anyone else who has got a daughter aiming to take test on 1st Oct, for 2014 entrance.

Look forward to chatting......I mean wording!

Best wishes,
Liz

My Dd will start at Kendrick in September. One of her friends only started working just before the summer holidays and also got a place, so you are not too late.
One word of warning, don't use Bond for VR. Wrong types of questions.
See my Duffer's guide near the top of this section.

Thanks Tinkers. I have already read your Duffers Guide today...it's very useful, thank you.
I have ordered a number of practise books and papers and will work our way through the free pages on here.
I am daunted yet again by the process but excited for my daughter to experience it.

Well done to your DD for getting a place.

Liz

Hi Liz
My dd3 will be doing the test in October - I have to say I'm not very hopeful, but no point not doing it!

Did you see that the application form is now available on the school website? Are you going to an open day? I took dd3 last year and dd1 is already there, so not going again this year.

Morning All,

My daughter loved Kendrick on the open day. She really wants to go there and has been working hard towards it. Any time I mention our intentions to other mothers, I get such a negative response. Everyone seems to think that its either too hard and my daughter will never pass and if she does she'll never get in!!! We live in Maidenhead and are in the catchment area.

My daughter is clever enough and we have a plan B and a plan C. Its just great to hear about other children getting in and I love all the tips, they have been very helpful and encouraging

Its me who is nervous, not my daughter!! How are you mums doing?

My DD will be starting at Kendrick in September along with Tinkers' DD. We did not use a tutor - just DIY. If you use the materials suggested you have time to give it a really good stab. Good luck

Hi Aliportico,
We are going to the Open Afternoon tomorrow, so we are looking forward to that.
How is your DD1 getting on at Kendrick? Is there a good mix of students there, with varying backgrounds?

Hi Bam, I had the same response when my DD1 sat the exam a few years ago. It was so worth the try and anyway,...... the experience in itself was a unique lesson for my daughter and ourselves as parents.

What sorts of things have you been trying with your daughters to prepare them?

Hi Reading Mum, I have been thinking about that. I will probably struggle to find anyone suitable at this late stage anyway. I will see how she gets on with her VR today and then re-think the tutor option.

Best wishes,
Liz

I say 'Tinkers' all the way.........wish we had her around a couple of years back

A few words of reassurance from me though - The Kendrick test is not hard! Lots of candidates including my own DD have commented how easy it is compared to commercial papers and some other school tests. Concentration and prep are key for the day!

Don't forget you can apply to Slough Consortium and Bucks too as they sit before Kendrick - free practice in actual test environment for you which may just prove useful Having said that you'll find a lot of Tiffin candidates sitting the Kendrick test this year for these exact reasons.

Go for it & best of Luck to you all
Sonasona (dil mera sona)

Turney wrote:Hi Aliportico,
We are going to the Open Afternoon tomorrow, so we are looking forward to that.
How is your DD1 getting on at Kendrick? Is there a good mix of students there, with varying backgrounds?

Have a great time there - don't be put off by Ms K's dour exterior

My eldest loves it - has just done her GCSEs and didn't consider going anywhere else for 6th form. I think there's a good mix of girls there -some who live in huge houses, some from what I consider more normal, lol!

My youngest is good at the non-verbal, but she's not much of a reader and that shows in the VR - I think the time pressure will be the problem for her.

Sonasona is right, the exam isn't more difficult than the practise papers, it's the time pressure that is the key, which is why it is more important that your Dd has seen all the various types of question that could come up. She won't have time to try and figure out how to do a question from the example. Even seeing a question type once will make a big difference on the day.

So focus on getting your Dd to have a go at all the 35 types of VR, improving vocab and getting the speed up. Then work from there and good luck.

And if you are getting negative responses from people about entering, don't talk to them about it if you think your DD is in with a shot, go for it.

Your DD got a reasonable score on the NVR if that was her first attempt. She will improve quite quickly at NVR then plateau, as she speeds up and get her eye in.

And as Aliportico says, don't be put off by Ms K at the open evening. At the recent parents evening for the new starters she came across as much friendlier and approachable.